BMW R 1200GS Adventure

The reworked basic model was already characterized by a unique mixture of sporty handling and suitability for touring and offroad use, but the Adventure also wins hearts and minds with improved performance and traction, additional offroad qualities and a level of long-distance comfort that has been enhanced even further. These unique qualities combine with the very extensive range of series equipment to make the new R 1200 GS Adventure suitable for world trips the moment it leaves the factory.

More dynamic drive and improved traction.

The new, even more dynamic drive of the R 1200 GS Adventure even manages to outstrip the 1170 cm3 engine of its predecessor model, which provided confident propulsion in any conditions. With 105 bhp at 7,000 rpm, a maximum engine speed of 8,000 rpm and an even broader engine speed range, it provides the perfect conditions for confident riding whatever the conditions, in line with the special demands that an adventure-tourer has to meet.

Reworked transmission and short first gear if required.

Like the basic R 1200 GS version, the R 1200 GS Adventure places its trust in a completely reworked 6-speed transmission which, with its shortened transmission ratios and a shorter secondary ratio, provides clearly improved traction and acceleration. Combined with the reworked engine, the R 1200 GS Adventure is much more lively and dynamic in the upper half of the engine speed range, while still providing more traction in the lower ranges.

With enlarged bearing diameters and changed shaft distance, the completely revised six-speed transmission takes account of the often extreme demands made of an adventure-tourer. In addition, a shorter first gear is offered for the R 1200 GS Adventure as a special option – this gives additional advantages when riding over very confined, difficult terrain.

Features of the BMW R 1200 GS Adventure:

• Even more dynamic drive and improved traction.

• Reworked transmission and short first gear if required.

• Even more universal use through optional Enduro ESA.

• Reworked design emphasising the offroad and world travel character. 

• Perfect, tried and tested series equipment for extreme tours. 

• Color options: Magnesium metallic matt, plain red.

• Special equipment and tailor-made accessories in accordance with the familiar BMW standards

MCN Review

This is the last word in round-the-world motorcycling can do. With a monstrous 33-litre tank, grunty motor, shaft-drive and excellent reliability in all climes and conditions the BMW R1200GS Adventure redefines the giant trailie motorcycle class. And the BMW R1200GS Adventure is a giant – at nearly a quarter of a ton fully-loaded and with a lofty 910mm seat only the brave or foolish will venture far from the tarmac on this motorcycle. 

Engine
The new 1170cc, Boxer twin SOHC motor in the BMW R1200GS Adventure is taken from the best-selling motorcycle, the BMW R1200GS. It’s powerful, torquey and well-geared for effortless cruising at motorway speeds. The  BMW R1200GS Adventure's gearbox is pretty indifferent; clunky, with the odd false neutral, especially from second to first. Sixth is no longer the overdrive it was on the older BMW R1150GS Adventure, on this motorcycle the ratio is a normal accelerative gear.

Ride and Handling
On the road the BMW R1200GS Adventure belies its weight and height and handles lightly and surely, though it takes a while to get used to the slightly detached feeling the front Telelever suspension produces. The servo-powered brakes are too powerful off-road, but work well on it, providing you swap the Continental Twinduro tyres to more road-biased motorcycle tyres like Bridgestone’s Battlewing.

Equipment
As stock the BMW R1200GS Adventure already drips with off-road protection like bash plates, hand guards and crash bars. There’s ABS, a sat nav system and heated grips as optional extras for this motorcycle along with a selection of hard and soft luggage.